Introduction

Back to: Know-How: Access to Education

The Greek education system is under the central responsibility and supervision of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. Education is compulsory for all children in Greece, who are aged between 5 and 15 years old. Minor children of recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection may access the Greek educational system under similar conditions as Greek nationals. Asylum-seeking children also have access to the educational system, as long as no removal measure against them or their parents is actually enforced.

Access to education for refugee children is provided while they remain in Greece and does not oblige them and their family members to stay in the country. Even families waiting for family reunification have to enroll their children.

There are several educational programmes for adults organised by state or private agencies, NGOs and other organisations. The General Secretariat of vocational education and training and Lifelong Learning of the Ministry of Education is the responsible authority for most of the educational programmes for adults.